In January of 1963 I reported aboard USS Mt. Katmai (AE16), an ammunition ship stationed at Port Chicago, California. I served aboard the Mt. Katmai approximately four and one half years. Seems like most of that time was spent in the P.I. (Philippine Islands) loading ammo at Subic Bay (we were in the Viet Nam conflict) or on Yankee Station transferring ammo to the combatants, i.e., aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers. Lots of long hours on station and port and starboard liberty in Olongapo, the town outide Naval Station, Subic Bay. Our
R & R (Rest & Recreation) port was Hong Kong, one of my favorite cities in the world. Took lots of picture and visited scenic locations throughout the city. We were forbidden to visit the rooftops in Hong Kong and I'm not going to admit that I did but I can sure understand why we weren't suppose to go there. Took a sampan ride across the harbor and visited Kowloon (I think that's on the China mainland). And rode the tram up to the top of Victoria Peak. Liberty was good.

While onboard Mt. Katmai, I made First Class GMG (Gunner's Mate Guns), successfully completed the High School and the College Level GED tests and decided that when my tour was up I'd try civilian life for a change. In July of 67 I was Honorably Discharged and headed home to the Midwest.